ITINERARY

Explore the Northern and Eastern, less frequented areas of Sri Lanka. We put this tour together by request from customers who had previously enjoyed Sri Lanka and wanted to return and visit different areas. It includes a wilderness safari in Wilpattu, the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Tamil culture in Jaffna and beach time in Trincomalee.

It is a small group tour (maximum of 10 people). If you would prefer a private tour or tailor made tour please contact us for a quote. For example you might like to extend the holiday and reduce the driving time on Day 8 by stopping off at Sigriya or Dambulla for a day on your way back to Colombo.

Travelbay Tips:Day 1 is the day you arrive. Many flights from Australia arrive late evening and customers often choose to arrive a day earlier to give themselves time to settle in as on the morning of Day 2 you will be collected after breakfast and taken to Wilpattu. Should you wish to arrive a day earlier, we’d be happy to arrange accommodation at the same hotel you will be staying at on your tour. You will be collected on arrival by the tour guide/driver at no extra cost but will need to pay for the extra night.

If you would like more beach time in Trincomalee, this can easily be added on to your tour. From March to May is whale watching season.

* Price includes 8 nights' accommodation, air-conditioned vehicle, all entrance fees, guides, 17 meals and more. Price does not include international return flights to Sri Lanka.

We would be happy to provide you with a quote for international flights. Flights from Australia to Sri Lanka are approximately $900 - $1200 per person return. The actual price varies depending on departure city, time of year and luck of the draw!

Day 2: Visit Wilpattu National Park

This morning, after breakfast, your driver will meet you at your hotel and take you to Wilpattu National Park (approximately a 3.5 hour drive).

Wilpattu has a dense jungle cover and numerous water holes known as willus. Wilpattu is home to leopards and sloth bears, amongst many other creatures. Here you can enjoy a park safari before driving on to Anuradhapura (approximately 45 minutes).

Day 3: The historic city of Anuradhapura

After breakfast drive to the historic city of Anuradhapura. For over 1000 years Sinhalese Kings ruled from this great city that is famous for its Dagabas (temples), reservoirs and landscaped gardens.

Here you can find the sacred Bo Tree, or Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi which is said to be the oldest planted tree on record which came from a cutting from the Bodhi tree in India under which Buddha achieved enlightenment. Visit the temple Ruwanwali Seya and other sites in the ancient city before returning to your hotel.

Day 4: Discover Jaffna in the North

This morning your driver will collect you and take you to Jaffna in the North of Sri Lanka. The drive is around 4.5 hours. Jaffna has a strong Tamil and Hindu influence and was ravaged by the civil war that ended in 2009. Geographically closer to India than Colombo, it has a different feel to much of the rest of Sri Lanka and you can get an insight into Tamil culture as well as the history of this region.

Visit Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, the Hindu temple in the town of Nallur before being taken to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 6: The golden sands of Trincomalee & Nilaveli

After breakfast your driver will take you to Trincomalee on the East Coast (around 4.5 hours). Located on one of the world's finest natural harbours, it has been fought over by the Portuguese, Dutch and British and was home to Allied Forces in WWII. It is known for its long stretches of golden sands.

On arrival your driver will take you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 9: Colombo city tour and departure

Enjoy a sightseeing tour visiting the highlights of the city including Independence Square, Wolfendral Church, The Courtyard and also some local shopping areas - the length of the tour will depend on time available to coincide with your departure flight.

When it is time for your flight you will be taken to the airport.

Please note: check out time in 12pm.

Meals included: Breakfast

*All accommodation and hotels are subject to change. If the stated hotel is not available a hotel of a similar standard and location will be booked.

INCLUSIONS

Inclusions:

9 day tourof Sri Lanka.

8 nights' accommodation

17 meals included - daily breakfast and dinner.

English speaking driver who will also be your guide.

Chauffeur driven air-conditioned car as per itinerary.

All airport transfers – a representative will be there to meet you on arrival and take you to the airport in time for your departure.

Assistance at airports and all major cities.

Entrance fees to the monuments and parks as detailed in the itinerary.

Bottled mineral water in the vehicle during journeys and transfers.

Highlights:

Take a wildlife jungle safari in Wilpattu National Park and discover what a willus is.

Discover the ancient city of Anuradhapura where you'll find the sacred Bo Tree, taken from a cutting of the Bodhi tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment, as well as many Dagabas (temples).

Travel to Tamil country in the North, see the sights of Jaffna and test your Tamil cooking skills.

Relax on the golden sands of Trincomalee and Nilaveli.

Visit the sights of Trincomalee including a cliff top temple and Fort Fredrick.

Travelbay works together with an excellent corporate flight booking company and is happy to provide you with a quote and organise your flights. We charge a $50 booking fee for this service. Alternatively, if you would like to arrange flights yourself you can find more information and suggestions here.

If you are wanting to know more about how far it is between destinations and how long your flight will take, you can visit www.travelmath.com and use their trip calculator.

Timezones:To help you calculate the time difference we recommend World Time Buddy.

Visa information:For travel to Sri Lanka, you must obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to arrival. This can be accessed online at the Sri Lanka ETA system. You can apply online and pay the ETA fee. At the time of writing this was USD 35 for a double entry tourist visa for 30 Days. See here for more information on the fees.

To meet the ETA requirements you must have:

A valid passport (for not less than 6 months from the date of your return home).

Currency information:The currency used in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee.

What currency to take with you is a personal choice. Some people prefer to take US$ cash as a backup whilst others prefer to take AUD$ cash – it depends on what you are comfortable with. There are ATM machines available and you should let your bank know that you will be using your card over there to avoid them freezing any 'suspicious' activity.

Vaccination information:Travelbay recommends you check with your doctor as to any immunisations that you may require or that are recommended for your travels. Alternatively, you can visit The Travel Doctor or Travelvax for more information.

Sri Lanka has experienced outbreaks of Dengue Fever in the recent past. We recommend speaking with your doctor about Dengue Fever if you have any concerns. The best form of protection against Dengue Fever is to simply protect yourself from mosquito bites. We recommend wearing long pants and tops along with a good quality mosquito repellent (with a concentration of at least 10% DEET, although DEET should be avoided on young children). You can also travel with a plug-in mosquito repellent to use in your room at night.

Climate:Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with a wet and dry season. Parts of the hill country can be temperate and cool. Colombo lies 7° North of the equator and so temperatures are hot all year round with minimal difference throughout the year. The average temperature is around 28°C to 30°C. May to August are the warmest months and this coincides with the rainy season.

Monsoon season: There are 2 different monsoons in Sri Lanka - one relating to the Northern and Eastern regions and the other relating to the Southern and Western areas. It is the former that is relevant for this particular tour and brings wind and rain between October and January. In general when it does rain, the downpours are usually short and sharp.

Dry season: In the North Eastern areas of Sri Lanka the dry season runs from May to September.

Peak season: The end of December and into February is peak season for travel across all of Sri Lanka.

April/May to September is a popular time for visitors in the North East due to the favourable weather conditions.

In February, Chinese New Year is celebrated and there can be an increase in tourists at this time of year.

Tipping tips:

Tipping is entirely at your discretion.

In response to some customers questions here are a few guidelines:

It is usual to tip the waiters, porters, guides and drivers. Tips are not included in the bills for hotels, transport companies or any other suppliers. At hotels and restaurants, about 10% of the bill is usually acceptable. Tipping is not necessary for taxis or for cheaper restaurants. It is a good idea to check if service charges are included in your restaurant bill. If not, a tip of 10% of the total bill is normal.

Although we give below a few general guidelines, it is to be remembered that tipping is a sign of gratification for good service, and therefore please view the guidelines as the middle ground, which can be adjusted depending on the level of service you feel you have received.

Please note the below amounts are per person for individual travellers and are based on US Dollars.

Driver/Guide: USD 5 - 10 per day

Driver for Jeep Safari: USD 3 - 5 per ride

Bell boys: USD 0.50 per bag

Room service and restaurants: about 10% of the bill total (unless service charge is mentioned as included)

Population: 21 million

Language:In Sri Lanka several languages are spoken with Tamil, Sinhala and English being the official languages.

Predominant religion:In Sri Lanka around 70% of the population are Theravada Buddhists followed by Hindus, Muslims and Christians.

Some interesting facts:Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon before 1972.

In Sri Lanka each full moon is public holiday. These days are called Poya Days and all the moons have their own name. Many shops and businesses are closed on Poya days and the sale of meat and alcohol is forbidden.

In the 16th century Sri Lanka was a Portuguese colony and in the 17th century it was a Dutch colony. It was ceded to the British in 1796 and was under British rule until it gained independence in 1948.

More Travelbay Sri Lanka Tours:

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TERMS

Terms & Conditions

Booking Process:

Upon purchase of your tour online you will immediately receive a receipt and order confirmation. Travelbay will contact the tour operator to confirm availability for all accommodation and transportation for your tour.

As soon as we have confirmed the dates (usually within 24 hours sometimes a little longer at weekends) we will email you your booking confirmation.

We will request further information from you to ensure that all your personal preferences are taken care of. This will include details such as your accommodation preferences, dietary requests, allergies, health issues, emergency contact and any special requirements. We will also request a copy of each traveller’s passport.

Very Important:

It is important to note yourdates are only confirmed once we have been in touch with you to confirm availability. Therefore, please wait on purchasing your international flights until you have received a booking confirmation from us. In the unlikely event that there is no availability on your chosen date we will offer you alternate dates. If these do not suit we will fully refund your payment.

Booking Information:

Quoted prices are per person.

Booking valid for selected and booked travel dates.

Please book at least 30 days prior to your desired date of travel.

Bookings are subject to availability.

Child prices: Children under 5 are free. Please contact us for prices of children 5 and over as it will vary depending on the age of the child and group size.

A high season surcharge of $100 per person applies for the following dates:

21 December 2018 to 10 January 2019

1 - 28 February 2019

Minimum group size is 2.

The listed "Price per person ~ single room" relates to having your own room for the tour (with a minimum of 2 people). If you are a single traveller, please contact us for a single traveller price.

If you would like to arrive before the start of tour or leave later and require extra nights’ accommodation, please contact us and we can arrange it for you.

If you have any other special requests including having a quote for a custom tour please let us know as we can make arrangements.

Prior to completion of your booking we take great care to go through all the details together with you until we get everything exactly as you would like it. At that point we confirm your booking and the details and you pay for it. If after payment, you decide to make further changes we will do what we can to accommodate them and will also need to charge an additional $50 administration fee.

Inclusions:

8 nights' accommodation

Check-in & check-out time: generally, check in is after 2 pm and check out before 12 pm. Early check-in and late check-out are subject to room availability and may generate additional full day room rate.

17 meals included - daily breakfast and dinner, plus one lunch as part of cooking class.

All transportation throughout the tour in an air-conditioned vehicle.

All airport transfers – a representative will be there to meet you on arrival and take you to the airport in time for your departure.

Assistance at airports and all major cities.

English speaking driver/guide for sightseeing as per the tour program.

Entrance fees to the monuments and parks as mentioned in the itinerary.

Bottled mineral water in the vehicle during journeys and transfers.

Free WIFI in hotel lobbies.

Exclusions:

International airfares to and from India (we can provide you with a quote for these).

Meals not outlined in the itinerary.

Drinks for all meals.

Camera fee wherever levied.

Any visa fee.

Travel insurance - we would be happy to give you a quote.

Any additional taxes levied by the Government of India and/or Sri Lanka on the tourism sector in future will be payable by the guest.

Any sudden increase in the entrance fee. The price is based on the presently applicable fee.

Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary/ stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks and/or any factors beyond control.

Tips and gratuities.

Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry etc.

Others not indicated in the inclusions.

General Terms & Conditions:

Your contract with Travelbay commences upon us providing you with a booking confirmation (not upon payment).

By purchasing this tour you confirm that you have read, understood and agree to these terms and conditions.

All prices we list are in AUD unless otherwise stated and include GST where payable.

This package, including any unused portion, cannot be exchanged for other services or cash.

Some accommodation providers may require that you present a credit card or cash deposit upon check-in to cover any additional expenses that may be incurred during your stay, for example mini-bar. You are responsible for the payment of any such additional expenses.

Please check baggage allowance prior to travel. The allowance may vary according to the destination, airline, cruise or coach operator. You are responsible for any excess baggage fees.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have a valid visa, if required. Please click here for more information on visa requirements.

Passport and visa regulations can change and it is your responsibility to ensure that you possess the relevant travel documents before you travel. Delays can be experienced in obtaining a passport or visa, so you are advised to apply in plenty of time. We accept no responsibility in any regard in relation to customers who are denied entry to a country because they do not possess the correct travel documents.

It is also your responsibility to ensure that you hold a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your date of return. If you hold multiple passports, you may be required to present your passport of residence on departing that country. If you hold a passport for a country to which you are travelling, you may be obliged to produce that passport on entering the country. Accordingly, you could be obliged to carry more than one passport when travelling overseas. You should make your own enquiries in relation to your specific circumstances and requirements.

It is your responsibility to ensure that all your details are recorded correctly. Any request for a name change after documents have been issued may incur amendment fees or result in the original booking being cancelled and in the case of airlines, the loss of a seat.

When purchasing flights, cruises and other carriage and travel services, the name on the passport must match the name on the ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid. If, after purchasing products or services but before traveling, any member of your party changes their name you must notify the relevant carrier, or us, immediately so that the necessary changes can be made to your documentation. You may incur a fee.

Travelbay recommends you check with your doctor as to any immunisations that you may require or that are recommended for your travels. Alternatively, you can visit The Travel Doctor or Travelvax for more information. For those of you who have any medical conditions please also ensure you are fit to travel and have all the medication you need with you. Recommended inoculations for travel may change and you should consult your doctor for current recommendations before you depart. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet all health entry requirements, obtain recommended inoculations, take all recommended medication, and follow all medical advice in relation to your trip.

Many but not all suppliers have facilities for people who require assistance. If you have any disabilities or require special assistance, please let us know at the time of booking so we can check if suitable services are available.

It is your responsibility to review travel prohibitions, warnings, announcements and advisories issued by the relevant government agencies prior to booking travel or departing to international destinations. For Australian travellers, information on conditions in various countries and the level of risk associated with travel to particular international destinations can be found on the Australian Government's travel advisory and consular assistance service website currently located at http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au. For travellers from other countries we recommend you check the travel recommendations of your country.

By offering reservations for travel-related products or services in relation to particular international destinations, Travelbay does not represent or warrant that travel to such points is advisable or without risk, and Travelbay is not liable for damages or losses that may result from travel to such destinations.

Travelbay sells tours on behalf of other Suppliers/Tour Operators. We rely on the relevant third party suppliers. Travelbay and the airlines, hotels and other Suppliers providing Services made available on or through this Website are independent parties and are not related parties. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Travelbay is not liable for the acts, errors, omissions, representations, warranties, breaches or negligence of any such Suppliers or for any personal injuries, death, property damage, or other damages or expenses resulting therefrom.

Whilst we take great care to provide clear and accurate information, there may be occasions where there are inaccuracies or errors. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Travelbay does not guarantee the accuracy of, and disclaims liability for, any errors or other inaccuracies relating to the information, descriptions and activities displayed on this website and in our promotional material.

All accommodation and hotels are subject to change. If the stated hotel is not available a hotel of a similar standard and location will be booked.

Hotel ratings displayed on this Website and in our promotional material are intended only as general guidelines, and Travelbay does not guarantee the accuracy of the ratings. Hotel room images are representative only and the actual room occupied may vary in inclusions and décor.

In some circumstances, some specific products or services as contained on this website and promotional material may not be available due to circumstance beyond our control. In that situation, we will do our best to provide replacement products and / or services of a comparable nature and quality. Travelbay and our respective Suppliers make no guarantees about the availability of specific products and services.

Subject to relevant laws, if Travelbay merges, sells or otherwise changes control of our business or this Website, we reserve the right, without giving notice or seeking consent, to transfer or assign your Personal Information, content and rights that we have collected from you and any agreements we have made with you.

Travelbay reserves all intellectual property rights, including but not limited to, copyright in material and/or services provided by us.

If you have any questions please email us 24/7 or call us Monday to Friday on 1800 020 020 to speak with one of our friendly team.

PLEASE CONTACT US FOR OTHER DATES - MORE AVAILABLE

19 January 2019

2 February 2019*

16 February 2019*

2 March 2019

16 March 2019

30 March 2019

13 April 2019

27 April 2019

11 May 2019

25 May 2019

8 June 2019

22 June 2019

6 July 2019

20 July 2019

3 August 2019

17 August 2019

31 August 2019

14 September 2019

28 September 2019

12 October 2019

*High season surcharge applies, please contact us for rates or see TERMS